A plan to cut student MetroCards in New York City has prompted sharp criticism from students, community members, and local politicians who held a rally on Jan. 5.

The plan to cut the free student MetroCards is part of the Metro Transit Authority’s cost-cutting measures aimed at alleviating a roughly $400 million budget gap. The part of the plan that will cancel free student cards has sparked the most criticism because nearly 500,000 students rely on the cards to get to school.

After the plans sparked outrage throughout New York communities, Gov. David Patterson said that if the student cards are eliminated through MTA’s budget cuts, he would find another way to fund them.

A council speaker at last Tuesday’s rally suggested using $100 million in federal stimulus money and little-known federal program to avoid cutting student cards.

MTA blames the state for its budget woes because it cut millions in subsidies to the agency in order to keep the free cards.

"If we're able to get the financial support to get free rides for students of New York City, we'd be happy to see it happen,” said MTA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jay Walder.

Public hearings over the next couple months will provide a platform for New Yorkers to weigh in on the plans that could affect thousands of students.
 

More from NY1 News